TRAGEDY: 30 Brits were killed in last year's shocking terror attacks on a Tunisian beach

A 150-strong group made up of Royal Marine commandos and members of the special forces will be on permanent patrol in the Med.

Current Foreign Office travel advice warns holidaymakers of a threat from extremists in almost every southern European and North African country.

Led by SAS troops based on Cyprus, the Special Purpose Task Group will provide an immediate response to terror attacks in popular tourist destinations.

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GUN SQUAD: The tactical response unit will be led by SAS troops based in Cyprus

“We are aware of potential targets Islamic State could attack and we need to make sure that we have a contingency in place”

Military source

Thirty Brits were killed and 26 injured when terrorists opened fire on holidaymakers on a crowded breach in Sousse, Tunisia, last June.

Gunman Seifiddine Rezgui Yacoubi was shot dead at the scene before he could detonate a ball bearing-filled bomb.

According to military sources the SAS, under the command of the Director of Special Forces and the Chief of the Defence Staff, will act as “first responders” to any terrorist attack.

The taskforce, deployed on the RFA ship Fort Victoria and supported by two Merlin helicopters, will be ready to fly ashore to put a cordon around any SAS operation and to provide support to friendly countries where an incident has occurred involving UK citizens.

A source said: “We are aware of potential targets Islamic State could attack and we need to make sure that we have a contingency in place.”

Among the areas of concern are holiday destinations in Greece, Egypt, Morocco and Spain, with the Foreign Office travel risk advice for the Costa del Sol being raised significantly in the past year.

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TARGET: Experts warn that cities like Barcelona could be next on ISIS' hit list

Around 12million Brits travel to Spain every year including the popular destinations of Ibiza, Majorca, Barcelona and Malaga where the FO has warned they could be high value targets for terror attacks.

Last night a Royal Navy spokesman said: “The Special Purpose Task Group is designed to organise an agile force of Royal Marine commandos and equipment into one ship for a range of military operations in support of UK interests.”

Military sources last night confirmed the taskforce would also help to tackle people-smugglers and pirates.